An Evening of Gospel Music- Shelby High School

The Choir of the First United Church of Christ had the opportunity to participate in an Evening of Gospel Music at Shelby Senior High School. Here are a few photos from that evening.

Reflections from the Rev.

“A lesson from Aiden.”

March 2016

As we enter the of Lent season it is easy to look at the calendar and see just how busy it is here at First Church…. Sundays are busy with Sunday school, morning worship, and evening classes for new members that will join the church in April. Looking at the calendar again… busy… busy…busy... work-school-kids music practice- kids athletic practice- PTA meetings- doctor’s appointments etc. etc. We are constantly investing our time, energy, and commitment into “things” and “activities. It’s not a bad thing! However, when “things” begin to become our focus, rather than the people around us… that can become problematic.

Just a few weeks ago our oldest son Aiden helped teach me a valuable lesson. I took my laptop home from the office to work on something. While I was sitting at the dining room table, typing away, Aiden came up to me and said, “Look what I got daddy, a T-Rex,” as he proudly held it up for me to see. My response of course was, “Oh, that’s nice buddy,” without even looking at him. A few minutes later he came back, “Daddy… please come play with me.” My heart melted… I had to put the work away and go play with my boy….

In sharing this story, I cannot help but reflect on our reading from a few Sunday’s ago. Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What do you treasure?? What is precious for you?? For some people it may be money… but let’s look at it another way… What is the most valuable and limited asset that you possess? How about your time? Our time highly is highly valuable because it is a limited asset. It seems to me that our schedules can sometimes hinder us… they make us invest our time in things… when what we should really be doing is investing our time in people…

The most valuable thing you can give to the Lord- to your spouse- to your children- to your friends- to your loved ones IS NOT money (yes money is nice) but it is a piece of your limited time on this earth. Take time to be with the ones you love- slow down- be willing to compromise that schedule whenever possible to spend just one more minute of playtime with your child… to call your grandma once a week… or to volunteer at the local food pantry. In this Lenten season… a season of prayer-meditation-giving- and self-reflection I would like to invite you to prayerfully consider the following; “What do I treasure?” “Is there any time I am wasting that I could be spending with those I love or for service to others?” Jesus help us to prioritize. Help us to utilize our time wisely. Help us, to show your love- and to experience the love of self and others, through the investment of our time… In your name we pray… Amen

September 2015 "A Month of Celebration."

Church Picnic 2015

This Sunday July 26, 2015 will be our annual church picnic at the KOA (Wagon Wheel CampGround) at 6787 Baker 47 Road. Worship will begin in the main building at 10:00am followed by lunch (bring a covered dish to share, drink, and table service), then our white elephant auction (You can bring something for the auction if you choose to do so). The church also provides access to all KOA activities for the day, so bring your family for some fun! Hope to see you there!

Visitation and Communion

Tomorrow Afternoon 717/15 Pastor James and the Church elders will be out visiting and taking Communion to our shut-in's. If you know of anyone who would like to receive Communion please call the church @ (419)-347-7777 and leave us a message. Thanks!

BE(E) THE CHURCH FLOAT

A BIG BIG BIG thank you to all who helped with our float in the Shelby Bicycle Days Parade! It was a great fun filled time, followed by a pizza party for all who participated! Thank you!!!!!

2015 Bicycle Days Parade Float

Hey Everyone! As most of you know, First Church will be participating in the 2015 Shelby Bicycle days Parade. JoAnna Johnson, Denise Richardson, Jill Karl, (Our church Youth), and many other's have been working very hard to get costumes, props, and various items prepared for our float. The Hay Wagon (Float Shell), (Which has been graciously provided by the Cooke Family), will be delivered to the back parking lot of the church Friday morning 7/10/15 around 10:00am. If you would like to help decorate and prepare the float please join us Friday Morning at 10:15ish behind the church. Pastor James could use some strong hands early as their are a few heavy items to be situated and stabilized on the wagon before it is decorated. The theme for our float is, "Be the Church," and we will be decorating the float with a "BEE" theme including our very own Bee Keeper (Steve Laser), Cute Bee hats (created by JoAnna and Denise), as well as a 1947 Shelby Flyer Bicycle with a Bee riding it, along with various signs stating what it means to Be the Church! PARTICIPANTS- Please be at Grand Boulevard dressed and ready by 12:50pm on Saturday 7/11/15 as judging of all floats occurs between 1:00pm and 1:30pm. Thanks Again Everyone! And remember BE THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!